Elegance barge cruise

Elegance luxury barge cruises

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Cruising between Beziers and Homps on the Midi canal

Cruise highlights

6 passengers
★★★★★ 5 star rating

Canal du Midi

  • Visit the 12th-century church of Colombiers
  • Pass through the world-famous Malpas Tunnel
  • Visit Pézenas, where Moliere created many of his characters: a city of art and history and fantastic viewpoints
  • Le Somail: visit the antique-book shop
  • See Narbonne: the Archbishop's Palace and museum
  • Discover the Cathar history at Minerve
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Carcassonne: visit the most complete medieval citadel in the world
  • Mediterranean beaches for swimming
  • Wine tasting and vineyards

Aquitaine 2026

  • Visit the pink beauty of the Occitanie: Toulouse
  • Explore the medieval village Bruniquel
  • Shop at a local Farmer's market
  • Visit Moissac; UNESCO abbey
  • Private wine tasting
  • Visit a cheese farm
  • Enjoy the stunning Latour-Marliac Gardens with 1000s of lillies, the inspiration for Monet's garden and works

2 cruise routes & itineraries

From Beziers to Homps
Canal du Midi

Montauban to Agen
Aquitaine & Bordeaux

Elegance cruise file

Prices

  • Charters from 32,500USD

Boat size

  • Length 98′5″ ft (30.00 metres)
  • Width 16′5″ ft (5.00 metres)

Specifications

  • Crew members : 4
  • Up to 6 guests
  • Junior suites : 3

Also

  • Central heating
  • Air-conditioning
  • Spa or pool
  • Wifi
  • CD player / iPod Dock
  • 6 bikes including 2 electric

Guests have awarded ★★★★★ stars


We truly appreciated the kindness, care, expertise, and attention to detail and attention to our needs of everyone involved. Thank you again for a wonderful experience.
(October 2024) C ★★★★★

About Elegance barge cruises

Luxury barge Elegance

The beautiful Elegance deluxe hotel barge is an artful balance of grace, simplicity, and sophistication. The barge has been tastefully re-furnished to provide a sophisticated interior and atmosphere akin to the Orient Express experience!

The barge provides superior accommodation for up to 6 guests in three contemporary double or twin junior suites with ensuite facilities. The accommodations and bathrooms have been completely refitted for the 2023 season. The salon has a ceiling height of 7′ 2″, the ensuite cabins are 6′ 7″, and the bathrooms are 6′ 6″.

There is a comfortable, stylish dining area and a light and airy saloon with picture windows to relax.

The large sundeck with spa pool from which to admire the passing countryside is the perfect place to enjoy the sunny weather, or you may like to explore along the famous towpath on our bicycles

  • Full central heating and air conditioning
  • Sound system
  • WiFi (Subject to local reception)
  • 6 touring bikes
  • Four crew, including your chef and housekeeper
  • Air-conditioned minibus for transfers and chauffeured private tours

Elegance deck and cabin plans

Elegance deck plan

Elegance cruise routes & itineraries

From Beziers to Homps cruise map

From Beziers to Homps

Canal du Midi

Rates

Beziers 
Sunday
A truly unique experience is about to start! Around 4 PM, a crew member will meet you at the train station in Narbonne and take you to your stunning barge, "Elegance," which is moored in Béziers along the well-known Canal du Midi! A champagne reception will be provided on deck following the initial boat excursion, providing an excellent start to your week's cruise. Before your gourmet meal, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore your new surroundings and get comfortable in your bedroom. How about wrapping up your first day with a quick walk along the canal after dusk?

Beziers to Capestang
Monday
Today is all about unwinding and taking in the serene ambience of your surroundings as you glide along this stunning canal from the 17th century. If you decide to walk and explore, don't forget your camera or ride a bike along the canal. Before lunch, we'll make a stop at Colombiers so you may take a stroll. You can relax in the afternoon with a book on a sun lounger or have a chat whilst in the jacuzzi. Just be sure to be on the deck when we traverse the thrilling Malpas tunnel, which is well-known for its unusual design! The boat will eventually arrive at the charming village of Capestang. Whatever you accomplish today, the trip will leave you feeling at ease and in tune with yourself.


Capestang to La Croisade 
Tuesday
We will discover a lovely mooring amid the vines and stunning scenery following an early morning voyage with lots of twists and turns. Just the right location for a great midday meal. After that, your guide will pick you up to take you to Pézenas, a mystical city rich in culture and history. Period mansions with gorgeous wrought iron balconies, stone sculptures, and elaborate doors may be found all across the old town. It is said that Molière drew inspiration for several of his well-known characters in this barbershop in Pézenas.

La Croisade to Le Somail
Wednesday
Take in the scenery as the barge glides leisurely down this elegant tree-lined canal. Today, we're going to take a boat to Le Somail, a well-known local village home to painters, potters, and an intriguing antique bookstore. Next, we'll take a car to the bustling Roman-era city of Narbonne. You have three options: you can visit the archaeological museum, the Archbishop's Palace, or the old town centre to shop. An alternative is to spend the afternoon by the Mediterranean Sea and go to L'Oulibo's olive factory, which is a well-regarded olive oil mill and an excellent location to sample and purchase products made from olives.

Le Somail to Argens-Minervois
Thursday
It's probably the finest method to sample local wines, as our leisurely morning cruise will take us through a few villages where we may stop to acquire some wine for your lunch. We will arrive in Minerve on a breathtaking journey via the gorges of the Cesse and the hills of Minervois. This remarkable medieval town is situated on an impressive rocky outcrop created by the Cesse and Brian rivers. This charming and historic community is well-known for its Cathar past and its wine country. Consider doing a little wine tasting on the way back to learn more about the outstanding wines this area has to offer. Then, you'll be treated to a delicious meal aboard.

Argens Minervois to Homps 
Friday
Following a few standard locks and a few double locks, the barge will sail to our final weekly mooring. You'll have plenty of time to explore the "Cité de Carcassonne," the world-famous fortified town, after a quick journey. After being renovated in the 19th century, this remarkable location was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will go to Lagrasse, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It is well-known for its amazing structures and handicrafts, and is currently home to a large number of painters and potters who are drawn to the area by its exceptional natural light.
The staff will go above and beyond to make your final night onboard one to remember, while your chef works feverishly to prepare an exceptionally special gourmet feast!
Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Homps
Saturday
It will be sad to say "au revoir" (see you again) in French after your final breakfast. Your guide will transport you to your accommodation or to the train station. You'll be thrilled to return home with so many wonderful memories, or you'll be anticipating your next trip aboard the barge.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise operates in the reverse direction.

Elegance From Beziers to Homps cruise route

From Beziers to Homps rates

The rates shown are standard, before any applicable discounts or promotions.

2025 rates
Charter 6 guests 39, 000 USD
Charter 5 guests 36, 000 USD
Charter 4 guests 32, 500 USD

Cruise rates include: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, transfers to and from Narbonne to the barge, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner on board, open bar on board, daily escorted excursions and related admittance fees, and use of onboard bicycles and other facilities, round trip transfers from specified meeting points.

2025 Departure dates
March 16 - October 19


Montauban to Agen

Aquitaine & Bordeaux

Rates

Montauban
Sunday
A truly unique experience is about to start! Around 4 PM, a crew member will meet you at the train station in Toulouse and take you to your stunning barge, "Elegance," which is moored in Montauban along the well-known Canal de la Garonne! A champagne reception will be provided on deck following the initial boat excursion, providing an excellent start to your week's cruise. Before your gourmet meal and introduction to wines from the region's vineyards, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore your new surroundings and get comfortable in your bedroom. How about wrapping up your first day with a quick walk along the canal after dusk?

Bruniquel
Monday
This morning we begin our cruise.  Take time to unwind and admire the serene ambience of your surroundings as you glide along this stunning canal, dating from the mid-19th century. If you decide to walk and explore, don't forget your camera.  Alternatively, consider riding a bike along the uncrowded canal, taking in the beautiful scenery as you go.  After lunch, we'll visit the tiny village of Bruniquel, with its population of just 639!  We step back in time in this medieval village, which has maintained its cobbled streets and stone and timbered houses. 
We return to Elegance in time for Armagnac-infused drinks and another fabulous dinner on board.

Market Day
Tuesday
As we continue our journey, admire the local flora and fauna, whether you choose to relax on deck, or walk or cycle along with the Elegance.   Today is a treat for the senses, as we visit a local farmers' market.  Local produce, including herbs, breads and pastries, cheese, vegetables and fruits, creates a beautiful tapestry of colours and scents. We will discover a lovely mooring amid the vines and stunning scenery following an early morning voyage with lots of twists and turns. Just the right location for a great midday meal. Our chef will select the best of produce for this evening's gourmet meal.

The Renaissance Abbey in Moissac
Wednesday
Take in the scenery as the barge glides leisurely down this elegant canal into the heart of Moissac, recognised as a city of Art and History in 2012.  Home to the Abbaye Saint Pierre, now a UNESCO heritage site, the beautiful town of Moissac will take your breath away.  Discover ancient stonework and beautiful sculptures in the Roman cloisters, sunny squares and riverside cafés, and a range of artisan stores.
We return to the barge to enjoy drinks before another culinary feast based on the culinary heritage of the region.
Gastronomy!  Wine & cheese tastings
Thursday
The Gascony region is famous for it's wine, which has been produced here since Roman times, and cheese. No trip to the area would be complete without enjoying these delights.
Savour a private wine-tasting in a prestigious local domaine before we discover the tradition and skills involved in creating cheeses that complement the local cuisine and wines.
After lunch on board, lie back on deck to watch the world go by, or relax with a book as we head to our next peaceful mooring, in time for dinner on board.  

Stepping into Monet's paintings: The Lily Garden
Friday
Have you visited the famous home and gardens of Monet in Giverny?  Today, we will visit the Latour-Marillac Lily Gardens, which supplied the lilies for Monet's home in Giverny and inspired some of his most influential paintings. Thousands of blooms afloat create an incredible scene. 
Our afternoon cruise takes us to Agen.  Relax on deck or explore the local town before the Captain's Farewell Dinner.  This evening is bound to be a joyous occassion as you reminisnce over your week aboard, the unforgettable scenery, gastronomy and peace of this beautiful region.
The staff will go above and beyond to make your final night onboard one to remember, while your chef works feverishly to prepare an exceptionally special gourmet feast!

Agen
Saturday
It will be sad to say "au revoir" (see you again) in French after your final breakfast. Your guide will transport you to your accommodation or to the train station. You'll be thrilled to return home with so many wonderful memories, or you'll be anticipating your next trip aboard the barge.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise operates in the reverse direction.

Montauban to Agen rates

The rates shown are standard, before any applicable discounts or promotions.

2026
Charter for 6 guests 39, 000 USD
Charter for 5 guests 36, 000 USD
Charter for 4 guests 32, 500 USD

Cruise rates include: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, transfers to and from Narbonne to the barge, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner on board, open bar on board, daily escorted excursions and related admittance fees, and use of onboard bicycles and other facilities, round trip transfers from specified meeting points.

2026 Departure dates
April 5 - October 25


These are sample itineraries, on alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Availability for Elegance

The dates indicated as "Available" are open for private charter bookings.

Elegance enquiries and reservations

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